Articles and Advice

Don’t Do It (Again)!

By Joe Stein

Yours truly (and some of my Recruiting friends) have been doing some interviewing lately and, once again, have faced some head scratching situations. While the vast majority of Job Seekers do well in the recruiting process, there are always examples of “what not to do”. As the saying goes, we can all learn from mistakes (even if they are made by someone else).

So below is the most recent list of “don’t do it” items for Job Seekers. Of course, this is not an all-inclusive one, so we encourage you to log on to www.wnyjobs.com for past articles and examples of “what not to do”.

·Keep Confidential …Confidential – In the past, I have used the example of sharing inside company information while answering a question. It is also inappropriate to be so bold as to mention that you will bring templates, Standard Operating Processes, etc. with you if you are hired. Furthermore, if you are seeking a Management position, don’t promise that you will be able to convince some of your current staff to depart for this new company. As tempting as it may be for a prospective employer to get their hands on this information or people, it causes a few major issues. First, it will generally be considered unethical depending on the circumstance. Second, if you do it to this company, you will likely do the same to your prospective employer. Finally, you most likely have some type of confidentiality agreement you signed with your past employer. No Hiring Manager should want to get involved in a "cease and desist" legal battle.

·Take the High Road – This goes beyond your current or most recent employer, but also to your job search. For example, if you were interviewing recently with a company and their compensation offer was low there is not a need to share this along with the details. It not only should be private and confidential but also does not reflect well on your ability to keep something private. Or, it may even show that you carry a grudge. Most employers will conclude that if you had such loose lips over this company, you will do the same with them if hired.

·Your Phone Needs to Work – If you are going to place a phone number on your resume, please make sure it is one that is currently accepting phone calls. If a Recruiter or Hiring Manager is trying to reach you, then it is very frustrating to call a number that is not currently accepting incoming calls (or the voice mail box is full). Most recruiters will not take the time to call you at another time, or to send you an e-mail for an alternative number. A possible solution is to offer two phone numbers on your resume, such as a home and mobile number. The spotty service or technical issues of mobile carriers may become even a greater issue for Job Seekers, as people in increasing numbers are eliminating their home service.

·Be Alert and Ready – If you are currently employed, creating the time to interview can be a challenge. Most Recruiters understand this and will try their best to work with you to find a time that is agreeable. This may result in being phone or in-person interviewed at an unorthodox time, such as early in the morning prior to going to your current job. If this early interview is the situation make sure that you have properly adjusted your sleep schedule in order to sound or look your best. If you are someone whose “voice” does not clear until you are awake for a couple of hours, then this needs to be accounted for when scheduling. If, at 6:30am, you still sound “groggy”, that will be picked up by the Interviewer and will reflect poorly upon you. Likewise, if your interview will be in-person, do not arrive with your hair wet appearing as if you rushed to get up and make it to the interview on time.

·Don’t Complain About the Process – Every company has their own recruiting process; very little good for a Job Seeker can come out of complaining about something that has been requested. A list of examples in this category include: complaining that a resume is needed; complaining that you have to go online to complete an application because you already submitted a resume; complaining about having to take a drug screen, etc. It is always a bit amazing to me that a person can be this difficult to work with and then expresses confusion regarding why they were not hired. Unless you have some skill set that can’t be obtained from anywhere else, this will quickly cause you to be dismissed as a candidate.

The vast majority of Job Seekers do a great job when it comes to their job search. There is, however, always some examples of things not to do. By becoming aware of some of these “faux pas” situations, it should place on top of your mind what to avoid.